The Origin of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival in China. It carries profound cultural significance and has a long history. The origin of this festival can be traced back to ancient times when people began to celebrate the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

According to legend, an ancient mythical beast called "Nian" used to attack villages on the eve of the new year. The beast was particularly fond of eating people, especially children. To protect themselves, villagers would hide their valuables and flee to the mountains during the Nian's attacks. One day, an old man appeared and claimed he could drive away the beast. He instructed the villagers to paste red paper couplets on their doors, set off firecrackers, and light lanterns. When Nian came again, it was frightened by the red color, loud noises, and bright lights, and fled in panic. Since then, these practices became traditions for celebrating the new year.

Over time, the celebration evolved into a grand festival filled with family reunions, feasts, and various customs. People clean their homes thoroughly before the new year to sweep away bad luck, and they decorate their houses with red lanterns and couplets. On New Year's Eve, families gather together for a sumptuous dinner, symbolizing unity and prosperity. Children receive red envelopes containing money from elders as a blessing for good fortune.

Today, Chinese New Year is celebrated not only in China but also around the world, where overseas Chinese communities continue to uphold its traditions. It remains a time for expressing gratitude, strengthening family bonds, and looking forward to a prosperous new year.